kwong30

optimism, You take the same classes as required by other BSN programs. So no, it would not be MORE difficult to find a job with an entry level MSN. I graduated with one, and I was hired. If anything, I think having an MSN and a BA/BS makes you a more competitive applicant, esp with this tight job market and hospitals looking into Magnet status.

sure, even if she does not have the order to take half the dose, pt has the right to refuse (6th right). perhaps vicodin knocks her out completely. you document " on pt's request" to take 1/2 the dose, for whatever reason she tells you. the doc could change the order when you speak to him.

yep, we've had 3 patients... census is sometimes very unpredictable. most of the ICU nurses had to float to TCU that night.

During shift report write everything down (we use SBAR). You might forget important info that needs to be passed on to the docs or oncoming nurse. (little bits of uncharted info you might have on your notes). Don't be afraid to ask for clarity if you don't know anything. They know that you are new and aren't expected to know everything. you will be stressed out but try to RELAX! and learn as much as you can. Ask questions. Don't be afraid to tell your preceptor what you would like to do more of (eg. IV skills, dressing change, chest tubes) or would like to take on certain patients (eg septic, post-op, cardiac). lastly, be a team player. You want your coworkers to support you and be on your team.

1. What is your age? 29 2. How long have you been a nurse? less than 2 years 3. Did you work as a CNA before becoming a nurse? no 4. If yes to #3, how long did you work as a CNA before becoming a nurse? 5. If no to #3, do you wish that you had? yes, but I would only do it short-term or the experience. 6. Regardless of whether you worked as a CNA prior to becoming a nurse, do you believe working as a CNA prior to nursing better prepares you to be a nurse? Feel free to elaborate on your response. I was never a CNA prior to working as an RN. but I believe being a CNA better exposes you to direct patient care and prepares you to feel more comfortable towards patients. I would only recommend it for a few months to 1 year because after that, I believe you have learned all you need as a CNA and some physical tasks RNs also do. When I was a new grad with no prior experience, I felt "slow" and even the simplest things like making a bed or turning the patient was hard or just took more time than needed. When these tasks are learned, I believe you would focus or transition your attention easier on the more critical RN role like complex skills, assessments, critical thinking / the pathophysiology aspect and the roles & responsibilities of an RN.

I think you should just enjoy your summer. Take ACLS when you get hired into the unit that requires it so you get reimbursed. ACLS is not a difficult course and I think everyone passes. The other 2 new grads did not take ACLS nor was it asked during a job interview.

I am a new nurse too and I always worry. If I am unsure about something eg. the changing status of a patient and actions to take, I feel the need to ask another nurse, sometimes even before I call the MD. And if I don't feel convinced with one answer, I will ask another nurse for more opinions and rational. I just feel safer that way.

It was most stressful when I was orienting and had no confidence. I was SLOW and prone to mistakes and forgetting. It hasn't been a year yet, but things have gotten much better now! I can say I love being a nurse and I love what I do. Nothing else there is I rather do. I also love my salary and all the wonderful support I get from everyone!

Looked into positions early in April/May 08. Interviewed in June 08 and got job offer 2 weeks later via a phone call from HR. Received NCLEX results in July 08 and officially employed in Aug. And I have been working since... :)

I was in your position 3 years back and i didn't think I was "qualified enough" and the reality is, you won't really know until you've applied to find out. Also, application pool varies and every school looks at the applicant on an individual basis. I say this because my undergrad GPA was LOW. Sure, it met minimal qualifications, but I wasn't the most qualified (nor did I publish works or done anything "impressive"), but I was qualified enough since I got into all the applied accelerated MSN progs. I also believe schools tend to look at your prerequisite and relevant nursing grades than GPA alone. Maybe seeing improvement when they noticed your grades trended upward as you reach senior year. Other than the extracurriculars you have, my suggestion is reflection of why you decided to pursue nursing afterall. An excellent, well-written, stand-out personal statement of who you are and your motivations to become a nurse can set you apart from the rest. My graduate adviser (I think she does admissions too) stated that she doesn't care so much for grades alone. So that tells me when students have met minimal GPA qualifications, they move on to the next category (healthcare experience, cultural sensivity/experience, personal statement, reference, CV/resume, etc)- don't take these aspects lightly because they matter! Good luck

It's possible to make that much in the Bay Area. New nurse on 3-12s at night with just over 6 months makes 59/hr. But I agree with everyone, there is a major hiring freeze now.

Since I don't work for admission, I can't objectively answer your question. But I would think chemistry and micro (science) classes are equally important as anatomy/physio. All the science classes are probably looked at more than just the basic non-science pre-reqs. It is stressful and you will get through this hurdle. Good luck! Don't know how far you are along the way to applying, but I believe they look at other experiences: volunteer/community activities, motivation, personal experiences, etc.

My undergrad grades were pretty crappy and it didn't stop me from getting into these "competitive" nursing schools. I was not wait-listed either. In fact, for Western U, I was one of those "20 early accepted," who didn't require an interview. Maybe they realize it is harder to get good grades at a UC than elsewhere (?). I recall most of the 20 early accepted were undergrads from UCs. I did manage, however, a 4.0 GPA from Santa Monica college. I was in your position 3 years ago, constantly stressing about getting accepted. But to my advantage, the programs looked at my application in a broader light. There are just so many qualified applicants, anybody with higher stats than me may have been declined so I really believe it was luck. I'd be happy to answer any other concerns.

Although they will have a copy of your resume, still bring copies pf resumes/references to your interview. I had a panel interview and it was not so bad afterall. A nurse manager, educator and a staff RN. All took turns in asking me questions. This was a position for the ICU new grad program, and I was asked clinical questions, previous experience, and resume specific questions.

If you really think it is worth it... but that is very expensive tuition for LVN training. Have you expanded your options for more affordable programs?